The Box of Delights

Reread this because Chris of Calmgrove mentioned it as a possible inspiration for the Chronicles of Narnia. There are talking animals, children named Peter and Susan, and a person entering a picture on the wall...no doubt it had its influence. But Masefield's writing is far more poetic than Lewis's and his storytelling is less straightforward. The tone changes frequently, from Nesbit-like kid capers to beautiful, dreamlike scenes of magic and mystery, to comic satire centered around a gang of thieves posing as clergymen. It's a bit of an odd mix, and left me a little unsure what to make of it all. Plus it ends up being a dream! Aside from Alice, this is a disappointing way for any magical story to end.